Celebrate Pro Bono Month 2017

Free Legal Assistance Offered, Celebrated Each October in Tennessee

October is “Celebrate Pro Bono Month” and Tennessee lawyers are joining their colleagues across the country to provide free legal services to those in need and honor the good work performed by lawyers every day as part of the annual National Pro Bono Celebration. Now in its ninth year, the 2017 statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month brings together legal services providers with local bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate in dozens of events and activities across the state that will offer assistance to Tennesseans in need. Activities include legal advice clinics, education programs, public presentations, celebrations and other events. Hosting or volunteering at a Celebrate Pro Bono Month event? Be sure share to share it on social media with the hashtag #CelebrateProBono.

Pro Bono Recognition Programs

TBA Pro Bono Honor Roll
Every year, Tennessee lawyers help thousands of clients by providing free legal assistance. Though the month of October is an opportunity to focus attention on the significant need for pro bono services as well as celebrate the outstanding work of those who volunteer, the TBA honors those who give their time throughout the year in its annual Pro Bono Honor Roll. For the 2017 honor roll, the TBA is seeking the names of lawyers and law students who volunteered with legal service organizations between Nov. 1, 2016, and Oct. 31, 2017. Please complete this form with the name and county of those who gave time during the last year. The deadline for submitting names is Nov. 30. Email completed forms to TBA Access to Justice Director Liz Todaro.

TN Supreme Court Pro Bono Recognition Program for Attorneys, Law Students & Firms
The Tennessee Supreme Court launched an initiative in 2014 to honor attorneys and law students who complete 50 or more hours of pro bono service each year. Those who meet the goal are named “Attorney for Justice” or “Law Student for Justice” by the court, are listed online and are honored at events across the state. Law firms that averaged 50 or more hours of pro bono service per attorney also may apply for recognition. The program is entirely voluntary and based on self-reporting using individual attorney annual registration or this form. Law firms should apply using this form. Attorneys and law offices already recognized for their pro bono service in 2017 are listed on the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice website.

2017 Celebrate Pro Bono Month Events

Celebrate Pro Bono Month events will be promoted in TBA Today and on the TBA website throughout the month.

Missing Events?
Please let the TBA know if there is an event that should be included on the 2017 Celebrate Pro Bono Month calendar.

Want to Host a CPB Event?
Want to host a Celebrate Pro Bono Month event in your community? Several organizations in Tennessee offer opportunities for partnership.

Share Activities on Social Media
Hosting or volunteering at a Celebrate Pro Bono Month event? Be sure share to share it on social media with the hashtag #CelebrateProBono.

Legal Assistance All Year
Low-income Tennesseans have helpful resources they can tap into at any time through the year. The website Help4TN.org and a toll-free telephone hotline at 888-HELP4TN or (888) 395-9297 both offer information and access to referrals and legal advice and TN Free Legal Answers matches individuals with volunteer attorneys. Bar associations, the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission and legal aid and community organizations across the state also support standing legal clinics throughout the year.